Chapter 3
The meeting room in the lower level of the pack house was crowded, almost all members of eligible age having turned out for the leadership vote. A number of Lycans had gathered around the front where Kane stood, offering him support and giving advice about how to deal with the debate.
Nodding absentmindedly, he surreptitiously wiped his palms on the legs of his pants. His bout of nerves surprised him. He wanted this job. Badly. He hadn’t realized how much until now. Maybe he should have spent more time this past week campaigning but he’d been busy dealing with the crash investigation and trying to keep things running smoothly. Ryne hadn’t been much help, either, disappearing for long periods of time doing who knew what.
He scanned the room for his brother. There was no sign of him despite the fact the meeting would start soon. Typical. Ryne followed the rules only when they suited his purpose.
His inner wolf stirred restlessly wanting the meeting to start. The animal was being unexpectedly unruly today and he was struggling to keep it in line. It sensed the potential to rise in the pack and some kind of testosterone surge seemed to be taking place. If the vote didn’t go in his favour, he’d be hard pressed to deal with the disappointment. There was nothing wrong with the Beta position; he’d been content to fulfill those duties but now he wanted more. Trying to distract himself, he looked around the room identifying those gathered.
Of course, the Council of Elders was seated at the front to the side of the podium. The rest of the pack occupied the rows of chairs that filled the room while others stood at the back, leaning against the walls or huddled in groups. He’d known them all for years and considered some to be close friends; how would being Alpha change their relationship? Would he still be included in impromptu gatherings and casual banter? Or would his position change the dynamics? Hopefully not.
He continued his survey of the room. John was near the front with his mate, Carrie. She was expecting their first pup and John had his arms protectively wrapped around her, his hands resting on her belly. She looked up at him, the affection between them undeniable. A twinge of envy passed through Kane and he hoped he’d someday have a relationship like theirs.
With the girl? His wolf chimed in, momentarily distracted from the prospect of being Alpha.
“The one from the movie theatre?” He murmured inwardly. “Not likely. We don’t even know who she is.”
If you tried, you could find out. A few inquiries, a search of Lycan Link’s database; It would yield the information we need. The animal pressed its point.
“If we become Alpha, we won’t have time for such nonsense.”
Hmm… The wolf frowned, torn between the desire for a mate and the importance of duty.
Kane left the creature to puzzle over the problem and returned to contemplating John. He was a good man. Strong and level-headed.
Perhaps feeling his gaze, John looked up and their eyes met. Kane nodded and so did John. They’d been friends for years and John had assured him earlier in the day he wouldn’t be going after the Alpha position.
“I’ve got a pup being born soon. I want to concentrate on my family,” John said. “The job is yours if you want it, Kane.”
“Or it might be Ryne’s.” He added his brother’s name to the conversation.
John gave a one-shouldered shrug. “Perhaps, but I’m voting for you. Ryne’s a great guy but too volatile for my liking and I know a lot of others feel the same way.”
“Well, we’ll have to see how the question period goes. The pack has the opportunity to question the candidates before voting, you know.” Inwardly, he was pleased with the vote of confidence.
“You’ve got this, Kane.” John nodded. “You know the Book of the Law cover to cover and you’re up to date on all the issues.”
“Thanks.” He paused, considering something that had been bothering him. “If the vote goes in my favour, would you be interested in the position of co-Beta?”
John pursed his lips thoughtfully. “Yeah, probably. I’ll talk it over with Carrie first and let you know.”
He gave a satisfied nod and John went on his way.
Kane hooked his thumbs in his belt loops. He hoped to keep Ryne on as a co-Beta. His brother was good at the job but, if Ryne lost the vote, he might not take it well. Hopefully not so much so that he did something stupid like leaving the pack but it was better to be prepared. Ryne had leadership potential if he only remembered to keep his emotions under control. And speaking of Ryne…
Near the back of the room, a door opened and Kane watched as Ryne entered with Marla. She was looking smug as she clung to his arm whereas Ryne’s shoulders were hunched, his face dark as his gaze darted about the room before finally finding its target…him.
The coldness in Ryne’s gaze had Kane stiffening. Hatred, aggression; there was no hint of brotherly love about him. Ryne barely acknowledged those around him, several patting him on the back obviously expressing support of him as a candidate. On some level, Kane noted the crowd around Ryne wasn’t as big as the one he had around him. It would seem the chance of the vote going in his favour had increased.
Strangely, the realization did nothing to calm his inner wolf. The animal had begun to pace, its hackles rising at Ryne’s silent challenge. Without realizing it, he took a half-step towards Ryne, only to pause when Helen caught his arm.
“Behave yourself, Kane.” She hissed the warning to him. “People are watching and starting a fight won’t win you any votes.”
He took a deep breath. She was right. “Sorry.” He gave her a crooked smile.
“I don’t know what’s going on with Ryne,” she whispered her concern, “but stay calm and remember you are the best candidate for the job. Our pack needs you.”
“Sure.” He glanced at Ryne again and then forced himself to look away, noting Helen seemed quite composed given the circumstances. She possessed a strong spirit and he was fortunate to have her on his side.
“Attention. Attention, please.” William, a member of the Council stood at the podium, tapping a gavel. “This meeting is now called to order.” He waited a moment until every one quieted down. “As you know, we are here to choose our next Alpha. Zack’s mate and blood off-spring have abdicated the position so we now open the floor to any and all who wish to be considered for the job.”
“I step forward for consideration.” Both Kane and Ryne spoke together.
The unplanned unity of speech caused a nervous titter to fill the air. Even though the vote was supposed to be civilized, emotions ran high in the room. Whoever won the vote would need to heal any rifts quickly. A pack divided wouldn’t last long.
“Ryne Taylor and Kane Sinclair, your names are allowed to stand.” William scanned the crowd. “Is there anyone else?” A heavy silence filled the room as gazes darted about the room looking for a raised hand. A second ticked by and then another. When no one spoke, he banged the gavel. “We have two candidates for consideration.”
Those gathered seemed to relax. Knowing two of their own were up for the job, eased the tension. The chance that an outsider could step forward was always a possibility. News of Zack’s death had been reported to Lycan Link and an official statement sent out on the Lycan news wires. Given the size and long history of the pack, the tragic event was considered a matter of public interest in the Lycan community. It also meant that any wolf hoping to rise to power knew of the vacancy and could have shown up. Everyone was thankful that hadn’t happened.
William consulted his notes. “Following protocol, we will allow time for questioning before the vote. I know many of you have concerns about the push by the oil company that wants permission to do exploratory drilling in part of our territory. As you are aware, they want to buy a large tract or lease it...”
Kane’s eyes drifted back to Ryne. Marla was whispering to Ryne, seeming to encourage him but Ryne wasn’t reacting well to whatever she said, his scowl deepening.
“Kane, can you answer our first question?” William’s voice jerked Kane’s attention back to the front.
Damn, what was the question? He had cleared his throat to speak when Ryne suddenly pushed his way to the front.
“He isn’t fit or deserving of being Alpha! I issue a challenge!”
A collective gasp filled the room as everyone surged to their feet.
Kane blinked, a red-haze of rage clouding his vision, his wolf taking over.
Our brother has challenged us for leadership, a fight to the death. The animal snarled in rage. All blood ties are now broken.
His hands curled into fists and he began to stalk towards his opponent, vaguely aware of Helen, her face pale as she shook her head in denial.
The crowd parted before him, shrinking back as they sensed his mood. Once at the front, he stood facing his challenger, a low rumble rising from his chest, a sound that was echoed by Ryne.
They were evenly matched in size and strength both as humans and as wolves. Indeed, they’d often been mistaken for each other in their younger years, only personality traits and eye-colour separating them. Both quick and clever, they were a formidable team. But now, now they were dominant males each intent on gaining leadership of the pack. Breathing heavily, material stretched over bunching muscles as the air shimmered around them. Their inner wolves struggled to be released, manipulating the energy around them to bring about a transformation, as low growls filled the air.
“Enough!” William banged the gavel several times, raising his voice as he tried to gain control. “Everyone take their seats. And you two,” he looked at Kane and Ryne. “Stand down. I want you on opposite sides of the room while the Council of Elders confers.”
Eyes locked on each other, both paused before responding, only respect for the law causing them to move back to neutral corners.
Nervous whispers filled the room as the pack waited to learn what would happen. Kane ignored the sounds around him, his eyes fixed on Ryne. His wolf did not trust the other to stay where he’d been told.
The Council of Elders huddled together, no doubt caught off-guard by this unexpected turn of events. A Council was comprised of retired Alphas and aged members of the pack whose wisdom and experience were considered valuable in guiding the pack and ultimately the Alpha. Not all packs had a council but, given the size of this territory and the number of Lycans involved, it was helpful to have extra input, especially in cases like this.
William left the huddle for a minute to get the Book of the Law. The Council would want to ensure they were following proper procedure for such a grave situation.
Minutes ticked past before the members could be seen nodding. A decision had been reached. As the spokesman, William approached the podium again and took his place. He cleared his throat and then waited for silence. When he had everyone’s attention, he began to speak.
“Ryne Taylor has issued a challenge for the leadership of this pack. It is his right, even though highly unusual in these enlightened times.” William fixed Ryne with a pointed stare but Ryne didn’t flinch. After a beat, William continued. “We now must hear from the other person under consideration as Alpha. Kane Sinclair, do you accept the leadership challenge from your brother or will you step down?”
Even without looking, Kane knew all eyes were focused on him. He could end this now, refuse the challenge and let Ryne take the position, avoiding bloodshed. It was the easy way out, some might even think it was the logical choice. Had that been Ryne’s strategy, knowing his brother was the cool headed one?
His inner wolf railed against that choice insisting they were destined to be Alpha. His logical half also expressed doubts especially in light of his conversation with Helen earlier in the day. He looked out over those gathered; packmates, friends. His duty was to the pack and the land they lived on. Ryne was his brother yet the good of all took precedent over family ties.
Slowly, he inhaled and nodded. “I accept.”
Pandemonium broke out. Ryne lunged at him, snarling even as others reached out, managing to hold him back. Helen was crying, others stood in shock. Supporters of Ryne started to push and shove those on the other side while William banged his gavel demanding everyone settle down.
By chance, Kane turned his head just in time to see Marla slipping out the back door.